Geneva-on-the-Lake

A flashback is what you’ll experience when you visit Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio’s first summer resort where time slows enough to take in the scenery and everyone is welcome. A combination of eclectic shops, old-fashioned diners and quaint cottages paint a picture of a traditional lakeside resort town, while contemporary additions create a vacation destination appropriate for young singles, families, grandmas and grandpas or the whole clan.

A few of us recently ventured out of the office on a sunny July day to experience Geneva on-the-Lake firsthand. Working with the friendly staff at the Geneva on-the-Lake Visitors Center made planning a cinch, so we were free to enjoy the trip without hours of debating the agenda.

A quick car trip east (about 45 minutes) put us at our first stop, The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake located in an Ohio state park.  Nestled on the shores of Lake Erie, this recently-built resort comes equipped with suites, indoor/outdoor pool, hot tub, arcade/game room, indoor/outdoor dining, complimentary coffee 24/7, bike rentals (for the miles of paved trail) and a breathtaking view. Looking to get hitched? The Lodge hosts more than 60 weddings each year (of course they do with scenery like that) and, while we’re on the special event topic, family reunions also are very popular.

Other accommodations in the area include campgrounds, bed & breakfasts, cottages, summer homes and “mom & pop” motels.

Next stop, the “Strip.”
With more than a dozen unique boutiques, arcades, restaurants, diners, bars, live music, water slides and a ferris wheel overlooking the lake, the Strip is the place to be when you’ve had enough fun at the beach for one day. Lakeside dining provides that “I’m on vacation” feeling and the carnival atmosphere makes you feel like you’re ten years old all over.
We made our next stop just five minutes up the road at Adventure Zone. Bumper boats, go-carts, batting cages, mini golf, video games, prizes, a “Chuckie Cheese” style playground . . . need I say more? The kids will not be disappointed and neither will your husband.

We finished our trip just five minutes outside of Geneva on-the-Lake  in the Historic Geneva Shopping District located in Geneva (the town, there’s a difference) where  we wandered in and out of antique shops housed in historic buildings. Some things to look for aside from antiques include dining, gifts and crafts.

More attractions to visit while vacationing at Geneva-on-the-Lake:
Ferrante Winery & Ristorante– Take a tour of this state-of-the-art winemaking facility and taste award-winning wine while dining in the full service Italian restaurant.

Debonne Vineyards– Enjoy award-winning wine, grilled sandwiches and appetizers and live entertainment all year long.

Covered Bridges – Ashtabula County is home to 17 covered bridges, one of them the longest in the United States. Take a driving tour.

Upcoming Events at Geneva on-the-Lake:
Labor Day “End of Summer” Bash @ Old Mill Winery – September 4-7
Clambake at the Beach @ Lakehouse Inn & Winery – September 19
Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival @ Ashtabula County Fairgrounds – October 10-11

For more inforamtion, Stop by the Visitors Center at 5336 Lake Road, Geneva on-the-Lake, Ohio or visit www.visitgenevaonthelake.com to learn more about Ohio’s first summer resort. –Submitted by RA

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